The extreme hazardousness and toxicity of the only known liquid element, mercury, is well established. Mercury has been ranked third in the list of toxic substances and has been adjudged as a toxic substance to the ecosystem, wildlife and human. It also affects the nervous system and functioning of brain, especially of children. Short-term mercury exposure may cause damage to lungs, skin rashes and eye irritation. Metallic mercury is an allergen that may cause eczema. Mercury amalgam used for tooth healthcare can lead to oral lichen. In view of the adverse health effect from exposure to mercury, its impact on the ecosystem and environment and in order to reduce/phase out global mercury use, the “Minamata Convention on Mercury,” was ratified by over 140 countries in early 2013. Today, 94 countries, including Pakistan have already signed the convention.

This study is a follow-up to a previous SDPI study on the level of mercury awareness in the content of academic curriculum for dental institutions in Pakistan with a particular view to:

Knowing the present level of awareness and general practices regarding mercury/mercury amalgam use in operative dentistry in Pakistan;
Reviewing BDS curriculum/syllabus, presently offered by national and professional bodies (including Pakistan Medical and Dental Council-PMDC) to the students of dental teaching institutions in the country;
Assess and evaluate its contents with regard to mercury/mercury amalgam use and occupational health, safety & environment, best environmental practices/technologies employed and management of mercury containing waste related issues;
Emphasize the need to revise the curriculum/syllabus at the earliest time possible, in the light of the above facts and make recommendations for additional needed relevant contents as part of the dental curriculum, for adequate knowledge and training of upcoming dental professionals towards minimizing mercury exposure, occupational health and safety of healthcare workers, mercury containing waste reduction at source and protection of environment.

The study finds that the current curriculum offered by the national professional parent bodies contains serious omissions regarding the use of mercury amalgam in operative dentistry and recommends its immediate review and inclusion of more relevant aspects in the new curriculum.